From iconic waterfronts and lush urban parks to cutting-edge museums and scenic seawalls, Vancouver’s neighborhoods are full of destinations that inspire curiosity, adventure, and connection. Whether you’re staying in the heart of downtown or in the laid-back elegance of West Vancouver, every neighborhood offers its own collection of unforgettable local attractions. Guests of Rent Smart rental properties are ideally located to explore these vibrant communities — each rich with history, culture, and natural beauty.
Stroll the cobblestone promenades of Yaletown, uncover West Coast heritage in Kitsilano, or relax by the serene marinas in Coal Harbour. Discover Stanley Park and the iconic Seawall in the West End, take in sustainability and innovation in Olympic Village, or escape to the oceanfront trails and historic lighthouses of West Vancouver. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, learning, nature, or a little of everything, these local attractions will elevate your Vancouver stay into an unforgettable experience.
Once an industrial hub filled with warehouses and rail yards, Yaletown has undergone a remarkable transformation since Expo 86, evolving into one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and densely populated neighborhoods. Bordered by False Creek, Robson Street, and Homer Street, Yaletown now features a dynamic blend of marinas, scenic parks, contemporary high-rises, and beautifully restored heritage buildings. Staying in Yaletown places you just steps from the seawall, False Creek, grocery stores, and some of the city’s best dining destinations, offering the perfect combination of urban convenience and waterfront charm.
A chic and historic district blending heritage charm with modern flair, Yaletown offers a mix of trendy boutiques, upscale dining, and scenic waterfront views.
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the False Creek waterfront, offering stunning views and access to parks and marinas.
Website: Seawall Information
Google Maps: Yaletown Seawall
Located in a restored heritage building, this center hosts art exhibits, performances, and community events.
Website: Roundhouse Community Centre
Google Maps: Roundhouse Community Centre
Home to the historic locomotive that pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in 1887.
Website: Engine 374 Pavilion
Google Maps: Engine 374 Pavilion
A spacious park featuring open lawns, sports courts, and waterfront access, perfect for relaxation and recreation.
Website: David Lam Park
Google Maps: David Lam Park
Vancouver’s original brewpub offers a selection of craft beers and a lively atmosphere in a historic warehouse setting.
Website: Yaletown Brewing Company
Google Maps: Yaletown Brewing Company
Explore a variety of galleries showcasing modern and contemporary art from local and international artists.
Website: Contemporary Art Gallery
Google Maps: Contemporary Art Gallery
Coal Harbour is a prestigious waterfront neighborhood in downtown Vancouver, bordered by Burrard Street and Pender Street near the Financial District, West Georgia Street toward the West End, and Stanley Park to the north. Once an industrial area, Coal Harbour has transformed into a modern community featuring luxury high-rise condos, upscale townhomes, and a stunning marina setting. The northwestern section near Stanley Park offers beautiful parkland, private marinas, rowing and boating clubs, high-end shops, fine dining restaurants, and a lively community centre. To the east lies Deadman’s Island, home to a naval station and museum, where the harbor opens into Burrard Inlet. Closer to the Financial District, the skyline is dominated by high-rise office towers, hotels, and elegant residential developments, making Coal Harbour a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Coal Harbour is where downtown meets the water — a stunning mix of sleek high-rises, green parks, and marina life, perfect for leisurely walks and scenic views.
An architectural landmark with a six-acre living roof, the Convention Centre hosts major events and offers public waterfront space and art.
Website: Vancouver Convention Centre
Google Maps: 1055 Canada Pl
This public plaza features Vancouver’s Olympic Cauldron and is a popular gathering place with waterfront views.
Google Maps: Jack Poole Plaza
A peaceful waterfront park with gardens, fountains, and paths perfect for jogging, dog-walking, or relaxing by the harbor.
Google Maps: Harbour Green Park
Take off on a scenic seaplane tour for breathtaking aerial views of the city and surrounding mountains and ocean.
Website: Harbour Air
Google Maps: Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre
Admire luxury yachts and water taxis, or simply enjoy the serene vibe along the docks and promenades.
Website: Coal Harbour Marina
Google Maps: Coal Harbour Marina
Walk or bike the most iconic urban path in the city, connecting Coal Harbour to Stanley Park and beyond.
Website: Vancouver Seawall
Google Maps: Coal Harbour Seawall
The West End is a lively and diverse neighborhood located on Vancouver’s downtown peninsula, adjacent to Stanley Park, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, and the Financial and Central Business Districts. Known for its colorful and welcoming vibe, the West End invites visitors to explore the vibrant shops and restaurants along Denman Street or enjoy a stroll or run along the 12-kilometer Seawall surrounding the world-famous Stanley Park. The neighborhood is also home to Robson Street, one of Vancouver’s premier shopping destinations, where internationally recognized retailers and a wide variety of eateries line the bustling thoroughfare. Offering a perfect mix of urban energy and natural beauty, the West End is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Vancouver.
A neighborhood that combines city life with seaside charm, the West End is ideal for beachgoers, shoppers, and nature lovers alike.
Vancouver’s most famous urban park with trails, totem poles, and the seawall — a must-see for all visitors.
Website: Stanley Park
Google Maps: Stanley Park
A bustling beach perfect for sunsets, paddle boarding, or lounging with an ice cream in hand.
Google Maps: English Bay Beach
Canada’s leading marine science centre with interactive exhibits and conservation-focused experiences.
Website: Vancouver Aquarium
Google Maps: Vancouver Aquarium
A major shopping street lined with popular brands, unique boutiques, and bustling eateries.
Website: Robson Street
Google Maps: Robson Street
Known for its LGBTQ+ friendly culture, vibrant nightlife, and colorful crosswalks and cafés.
Google Maps: Davie Village
A public art installation featuring joyful bronze figures — perfect for a photo op.
Google Maps: A-maze-ing Laughter
Kitsilano, affectionately known as “Kits” by locals, is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and cherished neighborhoods. Especially popular during the summer months, Kitsilano captures the spirit of the West Coast lifestyle with its laid-back vibe, stunning scenery, and active outdoor culture. At the heart of the neighborhood is Kitsilano Beach, a world-famous destination ranked among the top 10 best city beaches globally. Kits Beach offers a wide range of amenities, including volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a scenic outdoor pool, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and recreation. With its blend of natural beauty, lively community, and easy access to shops, cafés, and the waterfront, Kitsilano is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Vancouver.
Known for its laid-back vibe and beach culture, Kitsilano is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
One of Vancouver’s most popular beaches, offering volleyball courts, a saltwater pool, and panoramic views of the city skyline.
Website: Kitsilano Beach
Google Maps: Kitsilano Beach
Delve into the city’s history and culture through engaging exhibits and collections.
Website: Museum of Vancouver
Google Maps: Museum of Vancouver
Explore the wonders of space through interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
Website: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Google Maps: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
A scenic park hosting cultural institutions and offering open spaces for picnics and kite flying.
Website: Vanier Park
Google Maps: Vanier Park
An annual Shakespeare festival held in Vanier Park, featuring performances in open-air tents with stunning backdrops.
Website: Bard on the Beach
Google Maps: Bard on the Beach
Discover a variety of boutiques, cafes, and wellness shops along this vibrant shopping corridor.
Website: Shop West 4th
Google Maps: West 4th Avenue
Originally built to house athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Olympic Village has since transformed into one of Vancouver’s most modern and sought-after neighborhoods. Featuring innovative, sustainable architecture with green roofs and solar energy systems, Olympic Village is designed to be one of the greenest communities in the world.
Ideally located just outside of downtown Vancouver, it offers residents and visitors easy access to the city while maintaining a relaxed, scenic waterfront atmosphere. Stroll or cycle along the False Creek Seawall, take in breathtaking views of the Vancouver skyline, or visit nearby attractions like Science World at Telus World of Science and the Omnimax Theatre. The area also boasts a growing collection of local restaurants, cafés, and retail shops. Don’t miss a visit to Craft Beer Market, where you’ll find fresh, locally sourced food and Canada’s largest selection of draft beer. Olympic Village is a vibrant blend of sustainability, community, and West Coast beauty
A sustainable, family-friendly waterfront community built for the 2010 Olympics, now a hot spot for recreation and innovation.
Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits and OMNIMAX theatre, perfect for families.
Website: Science World
Google Maps: Science World
An urban ecological island supporting native wildlife and offering a peaceful green space.
Google Maps: Habitat Island
A naturalized park with play structures, public art, and wetlands right on False Creek.
Google Maps: Hinge Park
Massive beer hall featuring local brews and casual fare in a repurposed historic building.
Website: CRAFT Beer Market
Google Maps: CRAFT Beer Market
The heart of the neighborhood, this plaza hosts markets, festivals, and community events.
Google Maps: Olympic Village Square
Bike or walk the waterfront trail with amazing views of the skyline and Science World.
Website: Seawall Info
Google Maps: False Creek Seawall
West Vancouver, a member municipality of Metro Vancouver, is located northwest of the city of Vancouver, nestled along the northern shores of English Bay and the southeastern edge of Howe Sound. It borders the District of North Vancouver to the east, and together they form part of the region commonly known as “The North Shore.”
Known for its stunning waterfront views, lush mountainside neighborhoods, and vibrant community, West Vancouver played a role as one of the venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It is also home to Park Royal Shopping Centre, Canada’s first shopping mall, which remains a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, West Vancouver serves as one of the key connecting points between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island, offering easy access to ferry services via nearby Horseshoe Bay. With its blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, West Vancouver offers a unique and picturesque experience just minutes from downtown Vancouver.
A stunning coastal community where sea, sky, and mountains meet, offering a mix of nature, luxury, and West Coast charm.
One of the most scenic natural areas in Metro Vancouver, featuring forest trails and a historic lighthouse.
Website: Lighthouse Park
Google Maps: Lighthouse Park
A lively waterfront park with beach access, dog areas, and stunning views of Lions Gate Bridge.
Website: Ambleside Park
Google Maps: Ambleside Park
Coastal village with seafood restaurants and ferry access to Vancouver Island.
Website: BC Ferries
Google Maps: Horseshoe Bay
Year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and breathtaking views.
Website: Cypress Mountain
Google Maps: Cypress Mountain
One of Canada’s oldest malls, featuring high-end retailers and dining in an indoor/outdoor setting.
Website: Park Royal
Google Maps: Park Royal
Scenic oceanside path perfect for a walk, jog, or quiet contemplation.
Google Maps: West Vancouver Seawalk